A Barnsley firefighter has backed a charity campaign to raise money for 999 mental health support.

Dan Nortcliffe, a Watch Manager at Tankersley fire station, struggled with his own mental health following divorce and childhood bereavement.

Now he’s calling on others to open up and seek the support of organisations like Fire Fighters Charity- which a push for the Christmas number one spot is trying to raise funds for.

Dan said: “After my divorce and dealing with the death of my dad when I was just 10 years old, I found myself struggling with poor mental health. I wasn’t feeling great about life and it was affecting my work and personal life.

“Recognizing the need for support, our occupational health team recommended that I try the online counselling services provided by Fire Fighters Charity. I was hesitant at first, but I knew I needed help.”

Dan reached out to the charity and was connected with one of the charity’s counsellors, who made a profound impact on his journey to better mental health.

“The counsellor was amazing. He helped me build my own coping mechanisms and provided a sense of stability that I desperately needed. One thing he said that will stick with me forever is, ‘I’m not going anywhere, I’m here while ever you need me.’ That assurance meant the world to me.”

Dan’s story is not unique. Poor mental health is a significant issue for many emergency service workers, including firefighters. However, there is a growing recognition that it is okay to speak about these struggles.

“We work in a service that has historically predominantly male-dominated, and in South Yorkshire, we were taught to ‘man up.’ But society is slowly realising that showing emotions doesn’t mean we are weak. This applies to all firefighters, regardless of our differences.”

South Yorkshire Fire & Resue has invested heavily in mental health support for its staff, including a 24/7 helpline and setting up peer-led support for firefighters following traumatic incidents.

Fire Fighters Charity also plays a vital role by providing essential mental health support to firefighters. Their services, including online counselling, offer a lifeline to those in need, helping them to navigate their mental health challenges and build resilience.

Download ‘The Fire Safety Dance’ for 99p today to support the charity’s mission: Big Shaun and The Steel People – The Fire Safety Dance

If you are affected by the information in this story you can call the Samaritans on any phone, at any time on 116 123.